The Town of Gibsons is committed to attracting new business and retaining existing businesses in the Town, to foster economic stability and growth for the community.  If you conduct business within the Town of Gibsons, you are required to have a valid Town of Gibsons Business Licence.

Business Licence Application Process

1.    Complete an application form and bring it to the Town of Gibsons Town Hall.
2.    Bylaw Services staff will review your application to make sure it is complete and forward the application to the appropriate staff for approval.
3.    The approvals required will depend on the type of business.
4.    Once all approvals are received the Bylaw Services staff will call you to come to Town Hall and pay for your business licence.

The time required to process a licence application depends on the approvals that are needed. Typically, a licence is issued within 3 business days.

The Business Licence fees vary depending on the type of business. Bylaw Services staff can advise you on the fee. Fees are charged on an annual basis, and are non-refundable once a licence has been approved and issued.

Important Zoning information

Prior to opening a business or leasing space, you need to determine if the zoning of the proposed business property is suitable for the type of business you are planning. To verify the zoning for your property, contact the Planning Department at 604.886.2274 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Business Licence Approvals

Building Department Inspection
Before your licence can be issued, a Building Inspector, in conjunction with a Fire Inspector, may conduct a site inspection, if required. The date and time of this inspection is pre-arranged by the Building Inspector.

It is important to note that you may be required to apply for, and receive, a building permit for any modifications required to accommodate your business.

A building permit is required when you:
•    construct a new building
•    add to and/or alter an existing building
•    change the occupancy of an existing building or make interior renovations
•    make changes to the exit from an existing building
•    make additions or changes to the plumbing, fire alarm or fire sprinkler system
•    Contact the Building Inspector at 604.886.2274 for information on the specific requirements of your business plans.

Fire Department Inspection
This inspection ensures that your business premise complies with the Fire Prevention Regulations. Compliance helps to protect lives, property and equipment investments.

Every business in our community is required to operate in accordance with Town Bylaws, BC Fire Code Regulations and the Fire Services Act.  For more information on the Fire Department Inspection call 604.885.6870.

Vancouver Coastal Health Authority Approval
Establishments selling food, alcohol and/or cigarettes, beer and wine stores, daycares and beauty services require approval from the Sechelt Health Inspector.

Types of Business Licences

There are two types of business licences:

Resident Businesses are businesses that have a permanent location in Gibsons.  These businesses operate from offices, retail locations, warehouses, manufacturing facilities and home based.

Non-Resident Businesses are businesses that operate in Gibsons on a temporary basis. These businesses include building trades contractors and mobile businesses that have no fixed address in the Town of Gibsons.

Business Licence Renewal

Business licences are renewed annually on January 1st. Renewal invoices are mailed out in early November and payment is due by December 31st.  If you pay your Business Licence renewal before December 31st you will receive a 10% discount!

Once you have paid for your licence, you are provided with an opportunity of having your business listed on the Town’s website.

Home Based Business

The Town of Gibsons supports the establishment of appropriate home-based businesses in residential zones.  Please refer to the Zoning Bylaw for permitted home-based businesses.

For more information, contact:

Bylaw Enforcement Officers

Sue Booth
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R. J. (Ron) Joyce
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Phone:  604.886.2274
Fax:  604.886.9735
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Location and Mailing Address

474 South Fletcher Road
PO Box 340
Gibsons, B. C.     
V0N 1V0

Business Hours
8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays).